New Delhi, June 3: A devastating fire at a hotel in Malviya Nagar, Delhi, has resulted in the tragic loss of 21 lives. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the blaze. Attention is now focused on the hotel owner, Lokesh Bajaj, and the management practices in place. The investigation will determine if safety regulations were properly followed and if negligence played a role.
According to government sources, Lokesh Bajaj has been identified as the owner of the hotel where the fire occurred. The Delhi Police have launched a search operation to locate him, deploying multiple teams to conduct raids across the National Capital Region.
A case has been registered under charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder and other relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Investigators are also examining the roles of three partners reportedly involved in the hotel’s operations.
These partners are said to manage several hotels and guesthouses throughout Delhi. Sources indicate that officials have expanded their investigation to include ownership structures, compliance with licensing regulations, and operational procedures.
Initial findings suggest that there may have been violations of regulations at the property. Reports indicate that the establishment was registered under the ‘Bed and Breakfast’ category and was permitted to operate only six rooms. However, it is suspected that approximately 25 rooms were being used for accommodation.
The operation of the hotel’s restaurant is also under scrutiny. Officials are investigating whether the restaurant operated beyond its licensed scope and if the actual activities of the property aligned with the permissions granted by regulatory agencies.
Another critical aspect of the investigation is related to fire safety and emergency preparedness. Reports suggest that the building had only one shared exit, which likely hindered evacuation efforts as the fire spread.
Authorities are also looking into whether inadequate exits, overcrowding, and other safety issues contributed to the high death toll. Among the deceased are 17 foreign nationals from countries including Liberia, Nigeria, Mozambique, and Bangladesh.
Officials confirmed that 47 individuals were safely evacuated from the building, with 26 currently receiving medical treatment.
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